Indian Shuttler Lakshya Sen fell short in the All England Open 2026 final as he lost the final in straight sets to Lin Chun-Yi. In what was a potentially career-defining game, Sen was on the verge of creating history as he could have become the third Indian after Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand to win the All England Open title. Nevertheless, Chun-Yi emerged victorious but Lakshya garnered plenty of praise from the social media for his effort.
Lakshya Sen had powered through pain to reach the final of All England Open 2026
The youngster had performed outstandingly well in the semi-final against Canada’s Victor Lai, overcoming a bruised finger after diving and cramps to reach the tournament-decider. Nevertheless, Chun-Yi was on the attack against the 24-year-old from the very get-go and downed the Almora-born athlete every time he tried to run away with the momentum. The Taiwanese took the opening game with a margin of 15-21.
Sen was in the lead for the most part in the second game, ahead by 11-8 at one stage. But Chun-Yi came back strongly to chip away at the lead and level it 14-14. The scoreline extended to 18-18 but the Taiwanese edged ahead to make it 20-22 in his favour.
Here’s how the fans on X have reacted to Lakshya Sen’s valiant performance in the final:
Lakshya Sen has played brilliantly through the tournament. Beating no. 1 and no.6 ranked players. Today he is looking tired and injured. Some unwanted unforced errors. Still a great achievement buddy. Well Done Lakshya🇮🇳🇮🇳
— @Mishra_ji (@Mishra_anii) March 8, 2026
Hats off to Lakshya Sen for his efforts, had a tough pathway and with pure grit he made it to final, who knows what would have happened if he was able to push it to a third set ! Two time finalist is no joke, big fan #AllEngland2026
— MAHINTH (@Mahinth) March 8, 2026
What a run from Lakshya Sen at the All England Open 2026 🇮🇳
🏸 Beat WR1 Shi Yu Qi
🏸 Beat WR6 Li Shi Feng
🏸 Beat Victor Lai
🏸 Finished Runner-up⏱ 6 hours 13 minutes on court.
A campaign full of grit, quality, and belief.The title missed, but the statement was made. 💪… https://t.co/gnsWtKnmG2 pic.twitter.com/FupyvyNcCX
— IndiaSportsHub (@IndiaSportsHub) March 8, 2026
Heartbreak 💔 for Lakshya Sen @lakshya_sen . You fought like a champion 👏👏👏Well done! https://t.co/wZ3ACYVJ77
— sh@shi (@pan_shashi) March 8, 2026
Competing with an injury at the prestigious All England Open Badminton Championships 2026, Lakshya Sen displayed incredible determination and fighting spirit.
Sport is not only about winning, but about giving your absolute best on the court. Better luck next time, Lakshya—we are… pic.twitter.com/BsCTWvXiKw
— Atul Bora (@ATULBORA2) March 8, 2026
Well played Lakshya Sen. Better luck next time. For us you are a champion. #AllEnglandOpen2026
— RKM. (@MahapatraRKM1) March 8, 2026
“Never easy to come back and play a final less than 24 hours after a brutal semifinal” – PV Sindhu on Lakshya Sen
PV Sindhu couldn’t stop lauding the 24-year-old either, especially at the level he’s playing, given he beat Shi Yuqi and Li Shifeng in the same tournament. The 30-year-old hopes the momentum carries Lakshya through the remaining season, stating:
“Never easy to come back and play a final less than 24 hours after a brutal semifinal. Those matches really stay in the legs. I remember the 2021 All England Open Badminton Championships. I had a really long quarterfinal against Akane Yamaguchi, and the very next day had to step back on court for the semifinal against Pornpawee Chochuwong. Let me tell you, it’s brutal. Lakshya still had a phenomenal week. Beating Shi Yuqi and Li Shifeng in the same tournament says a lot about the level he’s playing at. And Lin Chun Yi’s attack at times really reminds you of his namesake Lin Dan.”
“Very decisive and explosive. Tough loss, but smile Lakshya. For the general public, the All England Open Badminton Championships is often seen as the pinnacle because of its history and aura. But on the tour it is one of the four Super 1000 events we play every year, and opportunities keep coming. With the kind of skill Lakshya has, weeks like this will keep repeating. Hopefully this momentum carries through the rest of the Super 1000s this season as well.”
Lin Chun Yi takes it 21–15, 22–20.
Never easy to come back and play a final less than 24 hours after a brutal semifinal. Those matches really stay in the legs.
I remember the 2021 All England Open Badminton Championships. I had a really long quarterfinal against Akane… pic.twitter.com/GdLvgQ6ASr
— Pvsindhu (@Pvsindhu1) March 8, 2026
This was also Lakshya’s second All England Open final.
